Learning as I go…

Let’s Get Powered Up!

Over the last couple weeks the In Law unit has really started to take shape. What was once a zombie rodent playground, littered with rotting wood and asbestos, has begun to resemble a rustic retreat. Well, even if the room leans on the ‘rustic’ side more than on the ‘retreat’ side, at least you don’t need to don a space suit just to walk inside.

While we continue to work towards the modern-barn aesthetic, we’d still like our visitors to be able to enjoy all of the conveniences of the 21st century. Luxuries like indoor plumbing and electricity should be in lavish supply. Unfortunately, electricity is one item that has been hard to come by in our rustic space. While draping extension cords from the garage may work for this DIY’er, the tripping hazard liability has prompted me to pursue other, more permanent, methods of powering this space. Now, when it comes to re-wiring and electricity, I thought it might be wise to reference my DIY Rulebook.

Rule #1…”Don’t do anything that might cause you to die.”

Now, while you might think that this rule should be reserved for jobs like underwater bomb defuser or flaming aerial stunt woman, you really shouldn’t limit yourself to only the extreme professions. In my case, my knowledge of electricity does not expand much further than keeping powered items away from a full bathtub. Therefore, when it comes to re-wiring an entire space, it is time to bring in the professionals.

Here’s where things are right now:

As you can see, we’re not exactly overflowing with lightning-like power. Therefore, the wiring plan is as follows:

INSTALL…

Recessed lighting all over

New electrical outlets all over

Behind the wall wiring for a wall mounted TV

Some lights outside the sliding glass door.

A bathroom fan and vent it outside

I’m very lucky in two regards (well, many more than two, but let’s stay focused!). First, a family friend, Dave, is a great professional electrician who I completely trust; and Second, Dave knows how to design wiring for a space. If anyone can take this gloomy In Law unit, that is littered with ancient home-owner hacked wiring, and make it glow, Dave could do it. So I handed over the keys and let him get to work.

Here’s the progress:

While these wires are not being powered at this exact moment, I am still at risk of being strangled or of getting an eye poked out, so I have left this space so Dave can continue to work his magic.

After a few days of wire wrangling, here’s our newly powered up space!

BEFORE:

AFTER!

This light and electricity will definitely come in handy with my next project. It’s time to focus some time on that bathroom. Stay tuned.